The Significance of Showing Your Face at Holiday Invitations: 'How to Be Liked by the Wealthy' Part 26.

'I work perfectly on weekdays and satisfy my clients and bosses. Therefore, my days off are completely my own time.' Don't you think that way?

Of course, from a labor law perspective, that is absolutely correct. Rest when you need to rest. That is important. However, if you are aiming to break away from the 'average salaryman' and achieve overwhelming results or get promoted, throw that mindset into the trash right now.

The true value of a businessman is tested at the 'boundary between public and private life after work is done.'

When you achieve results at work and use the 'magic nod' I talked about last time to get into someone's good graces, a moment like this will definitely come.

At this moment, many people think like this.

Listen, the guy who declines here is tearing up his own 'ticket to success.' Successful people and those at the top are extremely careful about 'who they invite' into their private time.

They don't want to meet with unimportant people even on their days off.

In other words, the fact that they invited you to a private holiday setting is a final aptitude test to confirm, 'Can I move this guy from just a 'client/subordinate' to my 'inner circle' category?'

What I strictly practiced during my days as a club host was that if I received a private invitation from a high-profile client, I would 'always show my face whenever possible.' Of course, it's fine to decline if you have a prior engagement or something you can't miss. But the important thing is to show the attitude of 'I'll crawl there if I have to when I can go.'

Why? Ginza clubs, or what you might call 'conference rooms' or 'business entertainment settings,' are 'carefully crafted stages' where everyone wears armor. There, everyone is wearing their professional mask.

But what about in the clear air of a golf course early in the morning, or at a relaxed BBQ where their wives and children are present? There, you see the 'true face' of the person with their tie removed.

If you show the same dedication there as you do at the shop or workplace (for example, grilling meat faster than anyone else, or being attentive to make sure they enjoy their golf game) while also showing that you can laugh together as one human being to another.

When they see that, the client or boss becomes convinced: 'This guy isn't just here for business money or evaluations; he's actually associating with me as a person.'

I won't lie to you. I'll tell you the realistic facts about accepting holiday invitations.

• [Demerits (The Price to Pay)]

  • Consumption of time and energy: A precious day off is ruined for the whole day. If it's golf, you're up at 4 AM; if it's a BBQ, the physical burden from shopping to cleanup is huge.

  • Financial burden: There will be times when you have to pay out of your own pocket for things like play fees or gifts. In the short term, it's a complete 'net loss.'

• 【Benefits (Advantages)】

  • Overwhelming Information: "Behind-the-scenes stories of the next big project" or "the reality of executive personnel changes" that would never be discussed in a conference room are often spilled over drinks or on the golf course. This information could later turn into something worth millions or tens of millions.

  • Gaining "Trust": You get labeled as "a good guy who will even join me in my private time." Once you are recognized as "one of us," minor mistakes will be laughed off and forgiven, and no matter how cheap a quote your rival company submits, you will never be cut off.

Where you "invest" your time

Listen. Giving up a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday might look like a "loss" in the short term. But those few hours can transform into a lifelong relationship of trust or a massive business opportunity. People who view corporate golf outings or off-site events as "drudgery without overtime pay" will end up as someone else's cog for the rest of their lives. That is a treasure trove where the "true intentions" of key people, which you can't hear under normal circumstances, are lying around.

In Part 23, I said, "Don't sell your time cheaply. Cut off unpleasant clients." But,never skimp on "investing in the genuine top-tier people you truly admire."

Take that "magic nod" you practiced in front of the mirror until you were bleeding last time, and unleash it naturally on the golf course under the blue sky or at a casual BBQ. That is how you deeply and quietly integrate "your presence" into every aspect of the other person's daily life.

"If it's him, he'll come whenever I call." When you make the other person think that, the thread connecting you and them turns into a sturdy wire that no one can tear apart.

That one step of giving up your holiday to show your face sets you apart from the rest of the crowd.

【Books】